Public Service Award of Excellence 2012

1. Selection Committee
2. Message from The Right Honourable Stephen Harper
3. Message from Wayne G. Wouters
4. Outstanding Career
5. Excellence in Policy
6. Exemplary Contribution Under Extraordinary Circumstances
7. Management Excellence
8. Excellence in Citizen-focused Service Delivery
9. Innovation
10. Scientific Contribution
11. Employment Equity and Diversity
12. Youth
13. Official Languages
14. Thank you

Selection Committee

President

Liseanne Forand
President
Shared Services Canada

Members

Patricia Hassard
Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet
Senior Personnel and Public Service Renewal
Privy Council Office

Ketevan Chigogidze
Co-Chair of the National Capital Region
Young Professionals Network
Chemist, Customs Analysis Section
Canada Border Services Agency

Marc Fortin
Chief Executive Officer
Defence Research and Development Canada

John Gordon
National President
Public Service Alliance of Canada

Louise Lavoie
Director, Honours and Recognition
Human Resources Directorate
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

David McGovern
Senior Assistant Deputy Minister
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

Thao Pham
Vice-President, Operations
Canada Economic Development

Secretary

Robert Makichuk
Director, Awards and Recognition / Strategic Engagement
Governance, Planning and Policy Sector
Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Message from The Right Honourable Stephen Harper

Prime Minister of Canada

On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to congratulate the recipients of the 2012 Public Service Award of Excellence.

The Public Service Award of Excellence recognizes outstanding federal public service employees who have demonstrated excellence, professionalism and innovation in serving Canadians. These qualities have been at the heart of the public service of Canada for more than a century, making it the first-class institution that it is today. The contributions made by this year's award recipients demonstrate the role played by public servants in promoting economic, social and cultural prosperity in Canada. These qualities will also guide the public service as it strives to become a leaner, more efficient organization.

Serving in places ranging from an isolated post on the British Columbia–Alaska border, to our great national parks in Labrador, to our country's largest cities, this year's recipients have sought to make a difference in the lives of Canadians across the country. Bright new ideas were transformed into reality by public servants who engaged and mobilized their colleagues, their organizations and new partners.

With employees such as these who strive for excellence and are committed to demonstrating the values and ethics of the public service, I am confident in Canada's future.

Stephen Harper

The Right Honourable Prime Minister

Message from Wayne G. Wouters

Clerk of the Privy Council, Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Public Service

It gives me great pleasure to recognize this year's recipients of the Public Service Award of Excellence. These individuals were chosen from a selection of approximately 650 public servants who were nominated from federal departments, agencies and other federal organizations from coast to coast to coast. As in years past, choosing the winners from amongst so many outstanding nominees was a difficult task. This challenge speaks to the calibre of our public service. Canada and Canadians are indeed fortunate to be served by such a distinguished group.

The 2012 recipients represent some of Canada's most talented public servants, people who take pride in their commitment to serving Canadians in communities across Canada and throughout the world. This year's recipients have also demonstrated their commitment to public service values, which are reaffirmed in the new Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector.

Today we are recognizing over 250 extraordinary public service employees who have made contributions in a variety of areas ranging from negotiating with partners on complex policies and providing opportunities for new Canadian families to experience Canada's natural and historic places to working to preserve ecologically sensitive spaces.

There is no shortage of challenges and opportunities facing our country and our employees. In a context of spending reductions, it is even more important to support talent and skills that are unique to government. As today's recipients have shown us, public servants rise to these challenges, in an exemplary manner, sometimes under extraordinary circumstances. They show us their commitment to excellence, innovation, and Canada's leadership and values.

Congratulations to all.

Clerk of the privy council, secretary to the cabinet
and Head of the Public Service

Wayne G. Wouters

 

Outstanding Career

Josée Baril - Department of Justice Canada

The Public Service of Canada is proud to count among its ranks an employee as dedicated and competent as Josée Baril.

During her remarkable 20-year career in the Jurilinguistic Services Unit at the Department of Justice Canada, Ms. Baril used her mastery of Canada's two official languages and her vast experience in legal translation instruction to produce idiomatic legal texts while overseeing the work of her colleagues. Through her knowledge and adherence to the highest jurilinguistic standards, Ms. Baril contributed to developing a range of legal projects, including the Guide fédéral de jurilinguistique législative française, recognized internationally as a tool of choice among linguists, and the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement, one of the many important legal projects in which she participated.

Ms. Baril is also recognized for her personal qualities. As chief jurilinguist, she is frequently called on to rally and lead the members of her team during high-stress situations, which she does through judicious use of humour and the courtesy she extends to all.

Ms. Baril's dedication and professionalism have ensured that the Government of Canada's legal texts are of the highest quality, serving as models nationwide and throughout the Francophonie.

Nominated by Christine Landry, Senior Counsel and Manager, Department of Justice Canada.

Marinka Darling - Canada Border Services Agency

Marinka Darling has enjoyed a remarkable career with the Canada Border Services Agency, providing dedicated and valued service to travellers crossing into the most remote regions of Western and Northern Canada.

Ms. Darling started her career as a customs inspector in 1977. Over the next three decades, she worked in nearly every isolated post in the Yukon and British Columbia. She spent much of that time as Superintendent of the Port of Pleasant Camp—a remote border crossing facility in Northwestern British Columbia. Working under often harsh and unforgiving conditions, she became a pillar of her community. In fact, commercial drivers who regularly pass through the port of entry successfully petitioned the territorial government to have a passage leading to the port named “Marinka's Hill.”

Ms. Darling's colleagues have described her as a role model and a symbol of strength and courage. Her tireless dedication to the people and community she serves has inspired many new recruits, who have benefited from her careful mentoring and her almost encyclopedic knowledge of customs issues in isolated regions.

Finding a safe passage for travellers ill equipped for the northern experience or dealing with wildlife wandering through border crossings is all in a day's work for “Marinka of the North,” as she has become known.

Ms. Darling's integrity, respect for others and personal touch are some of the qualities that have contributed to her many successes and to an outstanding public service career.

Nominated by Angela Formosa, Superintendent,
Canada Border Services Agency.

Gary K. McDonald - Passport Canada

Throughout his almost 35-year career with the Public Service of Canada, Gary K. McDonald has consistently demonstrated outstanding commitment to his work and to his colleagues.

Mr. McDonald's journey in the public service began in 1977, when he joined the Canadian Foreign Service. After working overseas in Belgrade, Tel Aviv, New Delhi and Nairobi, he joined Passport Canada where he has held various positions at the director and director general levels.

Mr. McDonald's accomplishments during his tenure at Passport Canada have been many and significant. He has been the driving force behind several key Passport Canada initiatives. For example, as Chair of the international New Technologies Working Group (NTWG), Mr. McDonald acted as champion of the “ePassport” or biometric passport. He had to obtain the consensus of over 15 states, as well as private sector representatives, making his accomplishments with the NTWG all the more significant. The ePassport has now been implemented worldwide, substantially enhancing global security and positioning Canada as a leader in this domain.

As a manager, Mr. McDonald has been a source of inspiration, and he is viewed by many of his employees as a model and mentor. He is passionate about helping his employees develop and reach their potential, and takes great pride in their successes.

Mr. McDonald exemplifies the best of what it means to be a public servant. He is more than worthy of the award that he is receiving today.

Nominated by Monique Boivin, Manager, Strategic Communications, Passport Canada.

Bruce McMahon - Parks Canada

Bruce McMahon is being recognized for his important contribution to the field of avalanche control and protection in an outstanding public service career that has spanned over 30 years.

As Avalanche Operations Coordinator for Parks Canada, Mr. McMahon has been responsible for monitoring more than 100 avalanche paths within the boundaries of Glacier National Park that affect the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway line—two primary arteries in Western Canada's transportation network. His work has not only ensured the safe and efficient flow of traffic and goods in this vital transportation corridor, but has also secured the safety of motorists and park visitors.

Mr. McMahon's dedication to high standards and his uncompromising work ethic have set him apart. His important contributions to the field include the development of the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale, a tool now recognized in Canada and internationally as the most effective and accurate means of classifying wilderness avalanche terrain.

He is also a proven leader and has excelled in fostering effective partnerships.
He has been recognized by the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Commander of the Canadian Army for his role as civilian leader of members of the Canadian Forces artillery regiments who deploy explosives to control avalanches.

Mr. McMahon has excelled in serving Canadians and in strengthening the avalanche industry as a whole. Soon to retire, he will leave behind an enduring legacy of innovation and achievement.

Nominated by Brenda Demone, Associate Director,

Andy Netzel - Service Canada

In a public service career spanning over 33 years, Andy Netzel has distinguished himself as a leader in service and management excellence.

A consummate professional, Mr. Netzel has excelled in leading organizations through important structural and cultural changes. His ability to get results and to motivate others is perhaps best demonstrated through the leadership role he played in the creation and establishment of Service Canada's Western Canada and Territories Region in 2010. He implemented a single, shared vision for this vast new region that includes 70 per cent of Canada's land mass and seven provincial and territorial jurisdictions. In so doing, he successfully brought together more than 5,000 employees from several separate regions, each with its own distinct practices and culture.

Throughout his career, with his collaborative management style and his “can do” attitude, Mr. Netzel has earned the devotion of his employees and the admiration of colleagues across the country.

He always treats employees as an organization's most important asset, ensuring that they have the support and tools they need to achieve their full potential. He is also a strong believer in recognizing achievements.

Mr. Netzel's open and inviting style engages colleagues and employees.
He is a proven leader with a well-established reputation for communicating clearly and consistently. He is known for investing the required time and energy to engage multiple stakeholders and ensure that their various needs are respected.

Canada has benefited enormously from Mr. Netzel's vision for change and his commitment to excellence. Time and again, he has exemplified the best of what the public service can offer and achieve.

Nominated by Anne E. Milne, Senior Executive Director,

Excellence in Policy

Dr. Larry Motiuk - Correctional Service Canada

Dr. Larry Motiuk is commended for his efforts in achieving outstanding results for the safety of Canadians in his dedication to research-driven correctional policy throughout his career.

During his more than 20 years with Correctional Service Canada, Dr. Motiuk has worked diligently to provide professional advice to ensure that analysis-based federal correctional policies are developed and implemented. He is recognized internationally as the key architect of the information system that enables Correctional Service Canada to keep pace with changing socio-demographic, political and economic realities.

For example, Dr. Motiuk applied state-of-the-art scientific methods in developing a system to forecast the characteristics of future offender populations. With this information, he identified the shifts in policy required to effectively address the risks and needs of the changing offender population.

He also played a key role in the establishment of analysis-based approaches to planning and policy, which led to the development of national standards in such areas as correctional release supervision, mental health, sex offenders, day parole, offender reintegration and substance abuse.

His collaborations have been widespread and have included regular consultations with front-line staff, repeated input from a national advisory group of Aboriginal elders and partnerships with external experts.

Dr. Motiuk's career exemplifies the public service qualities of values and ethics, strategic thinking, engagement and management excellence.

A remarkable man, he has played a leading role in improving the reintegration of offenders into society, thus improving the safety of the Canadian public.

Nominated by Michael Bettman, Director General,
Offender Programs and Reintegration,
Correctional Service Canada.

Integrated Public Safety–Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Negotiation Team
Public Safety Canada

• Robert Abramowitz
• Steven Dunn
• Shannon Hiegel
• Michael Holmes
• Matthew Hopkins
• Carma Mackie
• Scott Merrithew
• Marty Muldoon
• Stéphanie Pelletier
• Richard Wex

The Public Service of Canada commends the leadership and dedication of the team at Public Safety Canada, which successfully negotiated a new 20-year agreement-in-principle for the provision of Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) services across Canada.

Since 2008, the team has led negotiations on behalf of the federal government for the renewal of RCMP Police Services Agreements with 8 provinces, 3 territories and approximately 200 municipalities.

The team was responsible for conducting extensive background analysis; identifying federal, provincial and municipal interests; developing federal positions; and negotiating and drafting legal agreements with contracting jurisdictions. Confronting numerous challenges—often under tight deadlines—the team demonstrated tremendous dedication, creativity and resolve, as well as teamwork and collaboration interdepartmentally and across levels of government.

The successful conclusion of these complex negotiations is a landmark achievement, resulting in one of the largest federal service agreements ever negotiated. It represents an important instrument for strengthening Canada's internationally respected policing model and for modernizing the accountability of, and financial relationship between, contract jurisdictions and the RCMP.

Canada's police services model provides a strategic advantage in tackling crime across the country. Thanks to the outstanding work of the Integrated Public Safety–RCMP Negotiation Team, Canadians will continue to benefit from this world-renowned model.

Nominated by William Baker, Deputy Minister, Public Safety Canada.

Chief Public Health Officer's Reports Unit
Public Health Agency of Canada

• Sarah Bernier
• Jane Boswell-Purdy
• Suzanne A. Boucher
• Paula Carty
• Maureen Hartigan
• Sean Hockin
• Jordan Kelly
• Erin L. Schock
• Melannie Smith
• Andrea Sonkodi
• Crystal Stroud

Canadians greatly appreciate the continued efforts of the Chief Public Health Officer's Reports Unit, which has been doing an outstanding job in promoting and strengthening public health in Canadian communities.

The unit is responsible for preparing the Chief Public Health Officer's annual report on the state of public health in Canada. There have been four such reports since the first was released in 2008, each one looking at a different aspect of public health.

The reports highlight specific public health issues and relevant programs and initiatives that show promise or have been evaluated. They call on all levels of government, the private sector, communities and individual citizens to consider what they can do to improve the health of Canadians. The reports emphasize that, as a society, we can foster environments that enhance health and well-being for all, leading to a happier, healthier and more productive society.

The unit's application of a rigorous approach to content development and validation, to stakeholder and expert reviewer engagement, and to promotion and distribution, as well as its commitment to effective stewardship, ensures that the annual report delivers the very best in knowledge and information. It provides the necessary leadership for pan-Canadian policy discussion and development on public health issues in Canada.

The unit is commended for producing a report that is an invaluable resource for informing public health policy and for helping Canadians improve their health and the health of their communities.

Nominated by Dr. Gregory Taylor, Director General, Office of Public Health Practice,
Public Health Agency of Canada.

Exemplary Contribution Under Extraordinary Circumstances

Slave Lake Fire Response Team
Service Canada

• Pamela Boucher
• Janet Brace
• Jennifer A. Clarke
• Lorenzo Corea
• Gerard Crocker
• Shannon Currie
• Lucie Desrochers-Jean
• Maria Diakur
• Barbara L. Edmundson
• Craig Gebhardt
• Lisa Gibbins
• Robert Gillis
• Emily Herring Cooper
• Cathy LaCouvée
• Sharon Shapland
• Michelle Snow
• Greg Trela
• Linda Wilderman

The Public Service of Canada recognizes members of the Slave Lake Fire Response Team at Service Canada for their dedication and perseverance in delivering outreach services to citizens affected by the devastating wildfires in Slave Lake, Alberta, in 2011.

The wildfires that blazed through the community on May 14, 2011, destroyed more than a third of the town's homes, public buildings and businesses. With barely any warning, many of the 7,000 residents were forced to flee with little but the clothes they were wearing. They were evacuated to three centres in nearby Athabasca, Westlock and Edmonton.

In an impressive display of coordination and determination, Service Canada's Western Canada and Territories Region quickly mobilized a response team. Members included staff who travelled across Northern Alberta to the evacuation sites to tend to evacuees, as well as several local staff who did not know whether they themselves would have a home to return to.

This group of public servants dedicated themselves to supporting residents who, in some cases, had lost everything. They held impromptu information sessions, provided equipment and Internet access, and helped with applications for Employment Insurance, Social Insurance cards, and out-of-province birth certificates. The team brought services directly to the displaced people of Slave Lake, helping them in any way they could. Although the evacuees' losses were great, their ordeal was made easier through the team's efforts and assistance in rebuilding their lives.

The courage, professionalism and commitment of the Slave Lake Fire Response Team demonstrate that Service Canada can respond effectively in a crisis and mobilize quickly to meet the needs of Canadians.

Nominated by Andy Netzel, Executive Head, Service Management,
Western Canada and Territories Region, Service Canada.

Management Excellence

Paul Armstrong
Citizenship and Immigration Canada

The Public Service of Canada recognizes the outstanding contribution of Paul Armstrong in supporting the transformation of Canada's immigration and citizenship program.

As Director General of the Centralized Processing Region at Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Mr. Armstrong oversees the work of an in-Canada service delivery network that has had to respond to growing volumes during the past few years. To ensure that the department adjusts, Mr. Armstrong led the creation of an “incubator” office that required mobilizing staff from across the network and provided on-the-job training opportunities that resulted in better use of resources. Throughout the complex transition, he has engaged colleagues in an ongoing dialogue to make innovative changes to existing programs.

Mr. Armstrong's strategic vision and “can-do” attitude have improved service delivery and reduced backlog, as is evident in the enhanced operations of the department's Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Ottawa-Haiti Processing Office and many other programs. He has also played a fundamental role in making the department's services more responsive and accessible to clients by managing the integration of an overseas visa-processing delivery network with a domestic network.

Guided by a strong sense of ethics toward people and his work, Mr. Armstrong inspires his staff to take on new challenges and never misses an opportunity to acknowledge their exceptional work.

Mr. Armstrong's outstanding management has contributed tremendously to enhancing Citizenship and Immigration Canada's services to its clients and to the citizens of Canada.

Nominated by Claudette Deschênes, Assistant Deputy Minister,
Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Judy Rowell
Parks Canada

The Public Service of Canada recognizes Judy Rowell for making a real difference in Northern Canada through her innovative approach in developing Torngat Mountains National Park.

As Superintendent of the park, Ms. Rowell has excelled in managing partnerships, people and complex logistics, creating a stellar model of how Parks Canada engages others to achieve government priorities.

Her success is the result of her clear vision of the park as an Inuit homeland and of the positive, meaningful relationships she has fostered with Inuit, community members, stakeholders and partners. A strategic thinker and a problem solver, she has presented the story of the park through Inuit eyes and has included Inuit in all aspects of its operations and management.

Under Ms. Rowell's guidance, Torngat Mountains Base Camp, Canada's newest Arctic research station, has become a model for success, facilitating connections to the land while incorporating storytelling and innovative approaches to research and tourism. In this unique environment, researchers, Inuit, visitors and park staff live together, interact and undergo truly life-changing experiences. While this initiative involved some risk taking, Ms. Rowell's team-building and forward-thinking abilities paid off, and the park, once considered remote and inaccessible, is rapidly gaining recognition among Canadians.

A true leader who supports her employees as a mentor and a coach, Ms. Rowell remains unassuming, always shining the spotlight on Inuit, her colleagues and her partners, as well as on the spectacular beauty of the park.

Ms. Rowell exemplifies the difference that one person can make in the Public Service of Canada and for the Canadians we serve.

Nominated by Jeff Anderson, Field Unit Superintendent,
Western Newfoundland and Labrador, Parks Canada.

Excellence in Citizen-focused Service Delivery

Kimberley Process Office
Natural Resources Canada, Canada Border Services Agency,
Department of Justice Canada, Canadian Bank Note Co., Ltd.

• Robert Amyotte
• Mark Andrews
• Dan Beaulac
• Shari Buchanan (JUS)
• Martin Burtt (CBSA)
• Paul Garnier
• Joanne Kellerman
• Konstantinos Kokkinos
• Martha Nino (CBSA)
• Oliver Schatz
• Wolf Schmueck
• Patricia Anne Sibley (JUS)
• Chris Taylor
• Michel Thibault
• Denys Tremblay
• Christiane Villemure
• Mike Visser
• Richard Gregory (Canadian Bank Note Co., Ltd.)

The Public Service of Canada recognizes the efforts of the Kimberley Process Office at Natural Resources Canada for its outstanding contribution to expediting customs clearance of rough diamond shipments.

The Kimberley Process Office has established strategic partnerships with foreign governments and with the Canada Border Services Agency to facilitate the efficient release of rough diamond shipments in Canada and abroad. The Office also ensures that controls at the border are effectively implemented according to Agency standards.

In addition, the team has adopted an innovative service delivery model to expedite the issuance of Canadian certificates. Using a computer application developed in-house, team members can now transmit information to clients via modem or local area network within a secure environment. This allows clients to print certificates on their premises. Canadian diamond producers have benefited greatly from this remote printing, which expedites service and generates significant savings of time and costs while protecting the privacy of information. This is especially true for producers located in remote Northern locations. Where previously a certificate would typically require three days for delivery, Canadian certificates can now be processed within a single business day.

The Kimberley Process Office has been instrumental in improving the diamond production process without jeopardizing the quality of work, thus ensuring the integrity of the rough diamond supply chain.

The professionalism and high level of competency provided by the Kimberley Process Office provides a competitive advantage for the Canadian diamond industry and sets a benchmark for public services around the world.

Nominated by Teresa Trevino, Manager, Kimberley Process Office,
Natural Resources Canada.

On Target
Parks Canada

• Géraldine Arsenault
• Marc Beaudry
• Steve Burroughs
• Ray Coutu
• Marino Francispillai
• Ken Green
• Sandrine Grenon-Lalonde
• Martine Labrecque
• Julie Lefebvre
• Matthew Lemieux
• Glenn Lush
• Heather MacDonald
• Jillayne Peers
• Ted Phillips
• Janet Weatherston

Through its outstanding commitment to service delivery, the On Target team at Parks Canada has helped many Canadians form a more profound connection to Canada's national parks and historic sites.

As more and more Canadians choose to live in urban centres, a large percentage of the population is losing touch with our national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas. To counter this trend, Parks Canada created On Target in 2011 to promote these parks and sites to youth and new Canadians.

To achieve their objectives, the team members established the Learn-to-Camp program, which helps new Canadians and families with young children plan and enjoy safe and successful camping trips. As part of this program, and in partnership with Mountain Equipment Co-op, the team organized a series of learn-to-camp events in which over 1,000 participants attended camping workshops in 10 locations across Canada. The initiative is supported by the Learn-to-Camp section of Parks Canada's website, where potential campers can also learn about camping basics.

As well, the On Target team launched the second year of the My Parks Pass program in partnership with Nature Canada and the Historica-Dominion Institute. The pass is offered to 400,000 Grade 8 students across Canada to encourage them to experience the country's incredible national parks and historic sites so that they might become regular visitors and, in the long term, supporters of Canada's natural and cultural heritage.

The Public Service of Canada recognizes the On Target team members for their innovative contribution to preserving the significance of Canada's national parks and historic sites for current and future generations.

Nominated by Ed Jager, Director, Visitor Experience Branch, Parks Canada.

Postal Disruption Team
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

• Alyssa Bissonnette
• Xavier Demers-Bouchard
• Louis Fournier
• Neil Gerster
• T. Murray Gross
• Carole Lavallée
• Max Little
• Heather MacIntosh
• Trevor Milne
• Marie-Jo Paillé
• Eddy Reitberger
• Michelle Seaton
• Elizabeth Senecal
• Melida Sheppard
• Don Tatton

The Public Service of Canada commends the Postal Disruption Team at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, which included staff from Service Canada and the Labour Program, for its outstanding efforts in ensuring the continuation of service to Canadians throughout the postal disruption of 2011.

From the outset, the members of the team demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and creative networking ability. Well ahead of the actual labour dispute, and in addition to their regular individual workloads, they developed concrete plans to meet the specific needs of Canadians across the country.

From April to June 2011, the team worked diligently, safeguarding the delivery of benefit payments and services related to critical programs such as Employment Insurance, the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and the Social Insurance Number. Team members were instrumental in delivering over 57,000 cheques during a 10-day period. They also ensured that appropriate technical mechanisms were in place to support and update Canadians as needed. They designed the “cheque-finder tool,” an innovative online tool used throughout the disruption that allowed Canadians and front-line employees to search dates, pick-up locations and pick-up requirements for benefit cheques.

Leading up to and throughout the disruption, the team monitored the developing situation, coordinated strategies horizontally, identified gaps and created solutions. Their main objective was always to ensure continued provision of benefits, payments and services to Canadians in the manner expected—timely, client-focused and accurate.

The Postal Disruption Team members went above and beyond expectations. They demonstrated a level of professionalism and a commitment to public service excellence that all Canadians can be proud of.

Nominated by Frances McCormick, Director, Emergency Management and Business
Continuity, Service Canada, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

Canada's Transition to Digital Television Team
Canadian Heritage, Canadian Radio-television and
Telecommunications Commission, Industry Canada

• Kim Bauer
• Philip Cheesman
• Jeff Conrad (CRTC)
• Jack Dadourian (IC)
• Chaouki Dakdouki
• Dominic Dallaire
• Jennifer Dumoulin
• Khiem Lê (IC)
• Noah Moser (CRTC)
• Elena Oprisanu
• Cathy Ozimac
• Valerie Plaskacz
• Sylvia Routhier
• Martin Simard
• Michelle Tremblay

The Digital Television Transition Team is recognized for successfully implementing the switch from analog to digital television in Canada in September 2011.

The complexities of this project required effective technical planning and close collaboration between several government departments and the private sector for months before the transition date. Canadian Heritage took the lead in communicating with Canadians; Industry Canada handled the technical issues; and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission established the date, scope and rules for the transition.

In the months leading up to the transition, the team developed a website containing detailed information about the transition, including specific locations and links to local broadcasters. Over 210,000 users accessed the website, and thousands of follow-up calls came to a toll free number. Communications with local broadcasters were crucial and continuous because staff needed to give personalized information to Canadians before and during the transition. The transition team also launched a public advertising campaign, “No More Snow in Canada,” to provide further information to Canadians.

In the end, the transition to digital television was a resounding success. The team devised a seamless process that was implemented at a fraction of the cost and human resources used by other countries in making similar transitions. New and innovative tools were employed, the private and public sectors worked in partnership, and citizens were offered the personalized support they needed.

This team's outstanding work in achieving a smooth and cost-effective move to digital television in Canada is a source of pride for the Public Service of Canada.

Nominated by Daniel Jean, Deputy Minister, Canadian Heritage.

Border Information Services Contact Us Team
Canada Border Services Agency

• Stéfanie Allard
• Jean-Pierre Chaput
• Marc Cormier
• Bruce Delikatny
• Ginette Dion
• Kelly Donaires
• Denis Dupuis
• Damien Dureault
• Tiffanie Hartung
• David Lamoureux
• Robyn Murray
• Lisa Pratt
• Murielle Rosset
• Diane Sabourin
• Joëlle Shelton

The Border Information Services Contact Us Team is being recognized for its important contribution to improving access to government information and services online.

The Contact Us Team was created to streamline the Canada Border Services Agency's process for responding to email inquiries from the public. Prior to January 2011, most email correspondence received by the Agency was handled through Service Canada, and the response time for inquiries would sometimes exceed 40 days. To address this, the Contact Us Team assumed full responsibility for the Agency's email correspondence. Using a phased-in approach, it was fully functioning by April 2011.

Working closely with headquarters and Service Canada, this dedicated team set out to determine the best methods for processing correspondence. In a very short time, the team implemented a strategy for assigning incoming emails, responded to emails and created an internal tracking tool so that inquiries could be responded to on a first-in, first-out basis.

The Contact Us Team applied a new business model that incorporated an extensive tracking system to increase process accuracy and accountability. This tool was and continues to be extremely effective. Today, the average response time for emails is three days—considerably faster than previous turnaround times. The dedication and hard work of the officers and the manager on the team ensured the transition's success.

The Contact Us Team has demonstrated excellence in service delivery by adapting its processes to the changing needs of the Canadian public.

Nominated by Tatiana Fraser, Border Information Services Officer,
Canada Border Services Agency.

Airport Operations Service Improvement Working Group
Canada Border Services Agency

• Bill Axten
• Raymond Bédard
• Jim Bissett
• Eric Caron
• Rick Comerford
• Wendy Doucet
• Paul Dumouchel
• Christine Durocher
• Abeid Morgan
• Richard Patterson
• Leigh Phillips
• Pierre Provost
• Linell Redmond
• Goran Vragovic
• Debbie Zion

Thanks to the leadership of the Air Operations Service Improvement Working Group at the Canada Border Services Agency, Canadian airports now offer enhanced and more efficient customer service.

In addition to being Canada's front line of defence, border services officers are also the first people to welcome home Canadian travellers, greet tourists and meet individuals seeking asylum in this country. In an effort to improve the traveller experience at Canadian airports, the Agency brought together a group of subject-matter experts to form the Air Operations Service Improvement Working Group.

In a short period of time, this dedicated team reviewed existing services at the country's top 10 large and medium-sized airports to identify best practices and areas of inconsistency from the traveller's perspective. Employee focus groups were conducted, Airport Authorities were engaged, and external partners and stakeholders were regularly briefed on the group's progress.

Working in partnership with Airport Authorities and Canadian airports, the team then developed individual action plans to facilitate passenger arrival and processing. Their work has led to important enhancements in such areas as queue management, public education and awareness, and bilingual service. A number of Airport Authorities have since noticed improvements to key client service operations. The Calgary Airport Authority, in particular, noted that the Calgary airport has received its highest rating ever for overall passenger satisfaction.

The working group's innovative ideas have improved the traveller experience at Canada's airports tremendously. The members' commitment to excellence in service delivery has also enhanced the Government of Canada's image among visitors.

Nominated by Pierre Sabourin, Vice-President Operations Branch,
Canada Border Services Agency.

Innovation

Soyoung Park
Citizenship and Immigration Canada

The Public Service of Canada is proud to recognize Soyoung Park for developing trendsetting information technology (IT) systems that have resulted in improved processes and significant cost savings for Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Ms. Park is hailed by her colleagues as a visionary in the implementation of client-focused IT projects. She has contributed enormously to improving data management and to reducing the data-entry burden in the department. She has achieved this through her work on such initiatives as the Global Case Management System, which was designed to replace 12 legacy systems. Through innovation, research and a collaborative approach, she developed a number of solutions to successfully implement the system and help the department meet its strategic outcomes and priorities. She also deployed a plan to accommodate operational pressures, and spearheaded the new system's overseas release—all on time and under budget.

In addition, Ms. Park led the development of a Web portal that allows users to validate their Canadian citizenship status electronically. This important initiative not only improved the quality of service to clients, but also resulted in increased program integrity in the citizenship program, not to mention cost savings of $2.6 million.

In her day-to-day work, Ms. Park has shown excellent leadership and a truly inventive spirit, continually striving to devise new operational solutions.

Ms. Park's achievements have set a shining example for public servants that will continue to benefit all Canadians for many years to come.

Nominated by Manon Brassard, Assistant Deputy Minister,
Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Isolated Posts and Government Housing Directive Calculator
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

• Ron Artelle
• David Piché-Richer

Thanks to the innovative minds of Ron Artelle and David Piché-Richer, Royal Canadian Mounted Police employees now benefit from a tool that displays, at a glance, the financial benefits of postings in isolated locations.

Known as the Isolated Posts and Government Housing Directive (IPGHD) Calculator, this tool allows employees to select a location, enter a few details and almost instantly see the benefits they would be entitled to in a new posting.

Mr. Artelle, a senior analyst in National Compensation Services, came up with the idea for the calculator as a way to automate the time-consuming job of searching for information in charts. As the idea took shape, he sought out Mr. Piché-Richer, a programmer/analyst in the Chief Information Officer sector, who turned the concept into reality.

The calculator allows employees to see all applicable benefits for their family situation in one place. As a result, they are less likely to request assistance from regional human resources staff when calculating these benefits. The tool also helps employees who are considering a posting make an informed and quick decision.

The calculator has now been shared with the National Joint Council, and its creators have begun sharing their expertise and lessons learned to ensure that the tool can be adapted and made accessible to all public servants.

Through their achievement, Mr. Artelle and Mr. Piché-Richer have shown how a single innovation in the public service can have an impact far beyond its original purpose and benefit many individuals across government.

Nominated by Julie Taylor, Director, Pay and Benefits, Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

British Columbia Tripartite Initiative Team
Health Canada

• Yousuf Ali
• David Baker
• Lynn Bernard
• Libbie Driscoll
• David Edwards
• Michael Hilson
• Michelle Kovacevic
• Catherine Lappe
• Derek Leung
• Helen Leung
• Lisa Miller
• Roger Neufeld
• Doug Neville
• Sean Van Liempt
• Marie-Pierre Wallace

The Public Service of Canada is proud to honour the British Columbia Tripartite Initiative Team for its outstanding work in improving the health and well-being of First Nations communities.

The team's trendsetting approach has led to the development of the British Columbia Tripartite Framework Agreement on First Nation Health Governance. This landmark agreement represents a significant, transformative innovation in the governance and delivery of health care services to First Nations in that province and sets the standard for similar partnerships in other provinces and territories.

The team members formed effective partnerships with the provincial government and with First Nations organizations. Throughout the process, they navigated complex government policies and regulations while fostering collaboration, and balanced their federal responsibilities with finding creative solutions to support the work of their partners and colleagues. They were able to accomplish this through sensitivity, diplomacy and mutual respect.

Their efforts have resulted in a strong integration of federal and provincial systems, and a more efficient and effective model for delivering health-related programs and services to First Nations communities.

The British Columbia Tripartite Initiative Team's tenacious, groundbreaking work in the development of the Framework and its inventive approach to a highly complex issue resulted in achievements that will benefit First Nations communities across Canada. The team has set a shining example of public service values in action.

Nominated by Glenda Yeates, Deputy Minister and
Anne-Marie Robinson, Associate Deputy Minister, Health Canada.

Accounts Receivable National Inventory Team
Canada Revenue Agency

• John Borsella
• Brigitte Boucher
• Wafaa Boukhriss
• Claude Drapeau
• Deborah Krauss
• Rachel Robichaud
• Angela Ross
• Joan Roy
• Guy Saumur
• Josée Savoie
• Jocelyn Sparks
• Aaron Stang

Thanks to the efforts of the Accounts Receivable National Inventory Team, the Canada Revenue Agency has successfully completed one of the largest national business transformation initiatives in its history. The team behind this success showed dedication, creativity and resourcefulness in bringing this important project to fruition.

Once the Agency identified a need to build a comprehensive, consolidated debt-management model for its Tax Services Offices, the team began a two-year initiative that required extensive planning, design, development and communication with partners and stakeholders. The new model had to be capable of allocating client accounts systematically and equitably regardless of geographic boundaries, while taking into account the Agency's responsibilities to taxpayers and government priorities. The resulting Accounts Receivable National Inventory was introduced on schedule in April 2011.

Team members worked closely with their colleagues and stakeholders, soliciting and incorporating feedback and taking care to thoroughly communicate information about the new model to users. They provided excellent support to the regional offices throughout the process, ensuring a smooth transition across the organization.

The Agency can now work more effectively on high-risk accounts across the country, focus resources more efficiently and provide the best possible account-management services to Canadians. The Public Service of Canada commends members of the Accounts Receivable National Inventory Team for their careful planning, perseverance and innovative spirit in bringing about this transformation.

Nominated by Guy Lafrance, Director, Canada Revenue Agency.

Integrated Oil Sands Environment Monitoring Plan Team
Environment Canada

• Dr. Catharine Banic
• Peter di Cenzo
• Dr. David Duncan
• Dr. Craig Hebert
• Dr. Cristian Mihele
• Bruce Pauli
• Bruno Pilotte
• Hanna Ryan
• Karl Schaefer
• Dr. Samantha Song
• Frederick J. Wrona
• Rosa Wu

The Integrated Oil Sands Environment Monitoring Plan Team at Environment Canada is being recognized for its successful role in transforming the way environmental monitoring is done in Canada.

This multidisciplinary team has conceived, designed and developed a monitoring plan that includes air, water and biodiversity to provide an efficient, integrated evaluation. Working tirelessly, the team brought together new perspectives and synergies to optimize integrated environmental monitoring program design using a multidisciplinary, multijurisdictional and inclusive approach. The approach focuses on areas where there are gaps in the scientific data and adapts to changing needs as the environmental data and understanding change over time.

One of the plan's most innovative features is that it shifts from monitoring changes that have already occurred to better assessing the current state and predicting future impacts. It is therefore a model for environmental monitoring in other areas of Canada and internationally.

The team's leadership and the approach that was implemented, working in collaboration with the Government of Alberta, have provided a world-class example for future integrated environmental monitoring and related research programs for the oil sands.

The sustainable development of Alberta's oil sands is one of the most significant environmental, economic, social and political challenges facing Canada. Given the national and international scrutiny of the oil sands' environmental performance, the Environment Canada team is indeed worthy of a Public Service Award of Excellence and the recognition it brings.

Nominated by Paul Boothe, Deputy Minister, Environment Canada.

National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy Secretariat
Public Works and Government Services Canada,
Canadian Coast Guard, Industry Canada, National Defence

• Pierre Berthiaume
• Jean-Marc Corriveau (CCG)
• LCdr Rohit Gulati (DND)
• LCdr Kit Hancock (DND)
• Angela Hicks
• Sandra Labbé
• Edward Lam
• Scott Leslie
• Gary McGee (IC)
• Capt(N) Joël Parent (DND)
• Eric Ploen
• Tom Ring
• LCdr Jean-François Séguin (DND)
• Jo-Anne J. Smith
• LCdr Ted Summers (DND)
• Dianne Tinkess
• Terry Williston

Canadians can be proud of the efforts of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) Secretariat, which implemented the largest federal shipbuilding procurement program since the end of the Second World War.

Two Canadian shipyards have been selected to rebuild the fleets of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard. To achieve this, the team used a comprehensive and thorough selection process that incorporated many innovative and unique management practices—all of which can be replicated when conducting other large-scale procurements of this type.

The NSPS Secretariat has also been acclaimed for its outstanding achievement in promoting open and transparent consultations, establishing and retaining an independent Fairness Monitor, obtaining independent third-party advice and establishing an innovative governance mechanism.

Under the leadership of Public Works and Government Services Canada, the team included qualified and dedicated personnel from National Defence, the Canadian Coast Guard and Industry Canada.

Multi-billion dollar government procurement decisions can often lead to political, policy and legal challenges. Extraordinarily, such challenges did not arise in this process—a testament to the careful, collaborative, expeditious and well-reasoned work of the NSPS Secretariat.

The impact of the NSPS Secretariat's tremendous service to Canadians will be felt for decades. The members of this team are indeed worthy recipients of the Public Service Award of Excellence.

Nominated by François Guimont, Deputy Minister,
Public Works and Government Services Canada.

Scientific Contribution

Dr. Richard Thomas Burnett
Health Canada

It is with great pleasure that the Public Service of Canada commends the work of Dr. Richard Thomas Burnett, who is widely recognized as a global leader in research on the health effects of air pollution.

During his 27 years with Health Canada, Dr. Burnett has conducted scientific research in the public interest with passion, commitment and humility. His publication record is remarkable, his papers having appeared in numerous peer-reviewed journals. His co-authors represent diverse federal departments, academic institutions and international organizations.

In addition, he has contributed to many special publications and conference proceedings, several of which focused on specific aspects of the interface of science and policy. His ground-breaking innovations in the development of exposure assessment and epidemiological methodologies have made an important contribution to the understanding of the impacts of air pollution throughout the world. They have also influenced the setting of air quality guidelines issued by the World Health Organization.

A sought-after collaborator, Dr. Burnett is known to his colleagues and supervisors for his intellectual generosity, his attention to detail, his innovative thinking and his openness to advice.

Dr. Burnett has played an outstanding role in the communication of important scientific ideas to government organizations, stakeholders and the Canadian public. Canadians are fortunate to have such a dedicated scientist and public servant working on their behalf.

Nominated by Philip Blagden, Science Advisor,
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch,
Health Canada.

Ecological Restoration Team
Parks Canada

• Pat Fargey
• Dr. Michael Fitzsimmons
• Dr. David Gummer
• Laura James
• Karen Keenleyside
• Paul E. Lebel
• Cheryl Penny
• Dr. Shelley Pruss
• Lindsay Rodger
• Robert Sissons
• Karin Smith Fargey
• Adrian Sturch
• Joanne Tuckwell
• Dr. John Wilmhurst
• Ashley Wruth

Over the past decade, the maintenance and improvement of ecological integrity has emerged worldwide as a priority management approach to conservation. The efforts of the Ecological Restoration Team at Parks Canada have been largely instrumental in making this happen.

Through the work of this dedicated multidisciplinary team, Parks Canada has become known internationally as a leader in the conservation and ecological restoration of natural areas. In 2008, a collaborative effort among provincial and territorial scientific experts, led by Parks Canada, resulted in the publication of the first pan-Canadian guidance, Principles and Guidelines for Ecological Restoration in Canada's Protected Natural Areas. Two years later, the approach was recognized by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and it is now being used by protected-areas organizations around the world to develop similar best-practice guidelines for ecological restoration.

The Ecological Restoration Team's scientific knowledge and conservation experience, as well as its ability to work with partners and to integrate traditional knowledge, has led Parks Canada to success in restoring the ecological integrity of Canada's national parks and in recovering species at risk. A prime example of the team's highly effective and collaborative approach to ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation is the restoration of prairie grasslands and the reintroduction of the black-footed ferret and plains bison in Southern Saskatchewan's Grasslands National Park. These on-the-ground actions were instrumental to Parks Canada receiving the World Wildlife Fund's Gift to the Earth award for conservation work of outstanding global merit.

The work of the Ecological Restoration Team demonstrates the professionalism and dedication of the Public Service of Canada and is a stellar example of scientific excellence.

Nominated by Mike Wong, Executive Director, Natural Resource Conservation, Parks Canada.

Employment Equity and Diversity

Aboriginal Employees' Circle Interim Executive Council
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

• Cleo Big Eagle
• Christian Breton
• John Henri Commanda
• Tooneejoulee Kootoo-Chiarello
• Duane Morrisseau-Beck
• Tony Nicolas
• Ted Norris
• Karen Roach
• Peter St. John

The Public Service of Canada recognizes the Aboriginal Employees' Circle Interim Executive Council at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada for its leadership role in making the department a more culturally inclusive workplace.

During the 2010 Aboriginal Awareness Week celebrations, a group of Aboriginal employees embarked on the creation of a permanent network for Aboriginal employees in the department. In December 2010, the Aboriginal Employees' Circle (AEC) was officially launched, with the aim of creating an inclusive workplace for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people.

The AEC Interim Executive Council worked with departmental stakeholders to increase awareness and understanding of the history, contemporary issues, traditional culture, language and values of Aboriginal peoples. They created opportunities and developed activities to meet the challenges of long-term success in the recruitment, retention, promotion and advancement of Aboriginal peoples. The council also provided a forum for promoting and supporting continuous learning, professional development, information sharing and networking among members and partners.

The department benefited from the council's advice and guidance on Aboriginal issues and policies that affect Aboriginal people both within and outside the department. Aboriginal employees particularly appreciated the council's efforts to create a comfortable sense of community by providing access to elders and to cultural and traditional activities, initiatives and events.

As a result of the tireless commitment and the collaborative efforts of its members, the AEC Interim Executive Council has become recognized throughout the organization for their leadership role in promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Nominated by John Henri Commanda, Senior Project Manager,
Chair, Aboriginal Employees' Circle,
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

Visible Minority Talent Mapping Pilot Team
Natural Resources Canada

• Samina B. Ali
• Thérèse Bergeron
• Annie Couture
• Philippe Dauphin
• François Faucher
• Dr. Magdi Habib
• Kiran Hanspal
• Kenneth Ko
• Noël E. Latour
• Drew Leyburne
• Anthony Mackaroon
• Lorraine McKenzie Presley
• Lynn Millross
• Kami Ramcharan
• Linda Szeto

The Visible Minority Talent Mapping Pilot Team at Natural Resources Canada is being recognized for creating an approach that improves the upward mobility of visible minority employees.

Launched in November 2008, the two-year pilot was the first in Canada's public service to map the talents of non-executive employees and focus on an employment equity group in order to achieve the departmental objective of improved representation at executive levels.

The team transformed existing concepts and ideas into an innovative talent-mapping approach and developed user-friendly processes and tools. Team members anchored the pilot on the principles of fairness, merit and equity, and tapped into the expertise of visible minority executives within the Department. The team made use of collaborative technologies such as wikis, blogs and WebEx to enable employees and managers to share experiences and new ideas across regions. With the active participation of senior managers, the pilot demonstrated that an integrated approach to performance management and employee development can lead to increased efficiency in the provision of learning activities and can achieve departmental priorities more effectively.

Of the 34 participants who completed the pilot, 59 per cent received stretch assignments, including 5 with acting opportunities in the executive category; and 26 per cent, who were initially mapped with leadership potential, won a promotion to the next level.

The pilot's tested practices are now being implemented through a departmental talent management program for all employees and are being adapted for use by more than 20 departments and agencies across government.

Nominated by Jerome Europa, Manager, Executive Services and Talent Management,
Natural Resources Canada.

Accessibility, Accommodations and Adaptive Computer
Technology Program
Environment Canada

• Mike Arnold
• Margaret Lamont
• Jean-Marc Parisi
• Michel Salvas
• Kevin Shaw
• Jeffrey D. Stark

The Public Service of Canada recognizes the team responsible for the Accessibility, Accommodations and Adaptive Computer Technology Program for its leadership in advancing employment equity and diversity at Environment Canada and in the Government of Canada as a whole.

Over the last 20 years, this program has been blazing a trail in the field of accessibility, job accommodation and adaptive computer technology.

Initially created to serve Environment Canada, the program quickly partnered with other departments. The team helped them build organizational capacity to deliver more inclusive services to employees by providing training, coaching and expert guidance. These partnerships have promoted employment equity by ensuring that employees with disabilities, injuries and ergonomic requirements have access to the systems, programs, information, computers and computer resources they need to do their daily work. A number of employees from across government have expressed their appreciation for the vital services provided by this much loved team.

The program also aims to build awareness of accessibility standards and their role in creating a more inclusive environment. To that end, the team actively participates in the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's Access Working Group, Disability Management Initiative and Web Managers Council.

Working collaboratively on projects involving multiple departmental stakeholders, the team consistently demonstrates its commitment to making accessibility and inclusiveness a cornerstone of workplace culture in government. Through the team's services, the unique needs of persons with disabilities for a more accessible workplace are met by creating a corporate culture that is inclusive of all.

Nominated by Ed N. Carey, Accessibility Working Group Co-Chair, Canadian Heritage.

Youth

Heather Arbuckle
Canadian Food Inspection Agency

The abilities to engage people, maximize effectiveness and successfully lead through a challenging period of organizational change are some of the traits of a fine executive and leader; Heather Arbuckle has gracefully demonstrated them all.

Ms. Arbuckle has built an admirable career at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency since joining the organization as a student in 2000. Always exceeding expectations with her innovative thinking and her dependability, she quickly found opportunities to improve organizational processes. She has helped lead the establishment of best practices and strong operational models for the Agency.

Her work has been described as the embodiment of the principles of Public Service Renewal. Every day, she demonstrates a commitment to her organization's mandate and a talent for governance and forward-planning. These qualities have made her a source of inspiration for her colleagues.

Ms. Arbuckle's strong leadership skills and her ability to work and manage under pressure played an essential role in establishing the Agency's Plant Business Line delivery model, which has set the standard for delivery models throughout the Agency. Her professionalism and compassion for others have earned her the highest regard among peers and senior leaders.

The Public Service of Canada recognizes Ms. Arbuckle for her unflagging dedication, collaborative leadership and genuine enthusiasm in striving for excellence in every aspect of her work.

Nominated by Tony Ritchie, Executive Director,
Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Samuel Breau
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

For his extraordinary commitment to fostering collaboration and citizen engagement in the prevention of youth crime and victimization, the Public Service of Canada honours Samuel Breau.

An employee of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Mr. Breau has worked tirelessly to foster partnerships with the community and to help build more effective strategies for preventing youth crime, violence and victimization.

Mr. Breau is credited with establishing a strong partnership with the Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network. This relationship has helped the RCMP gain access to an inventory of violence-prevention research and has allowed for constructive collaboration with crime-prevention experts and community leaders. The partnership has led to the development and improvement of other community programs for at-risk youth, such as the WITS (Walk Away, Ignore, Talk it Out, and Seek Help) bullying-prevention program.

In addition to his part in organizing an RCMP youth conference in Regina, Mr. Breau has contributed considerable time and energy to the National Youth Officer Program. This program provides resources and advice to police officers on positive, meaningful interactions with youth. Mr. Breau has chaired meetings of the National Youth Officer Program Committee.

The Public Service of Canada offers its sincere thanks to Samuel Breau for his inspirational work in strengthening crime- and violence-prevention strategies aimed at Canada's vulnerable youth.

Nominated by Sergeant Corry Pyne, Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Jodi LeBlanc
Veterans Affairs Canada

In the short time Jodi LeBlanc has been with Veterans Affairs Canada, she has distinguished herself by demonstrating an exemplary work ethic, a strong commitment to collaboration and a clear talent for leading.

Ms. LeBlanc has worked extensively with the Federal Youth Network, which she has chaired since 2009. Her volunteer efforts in this position (which involve working evenings, on weekends and during her vacation leave) have led to the development of the Federal Youth Network's business case and have secured funding for a full-time coordinator.

Time and again, Ms. LeBlanc has demonstrated a dedication to sharing her knowledge through national youth programs and various change initiatives in her own department.

She has also worked hard to encourage her colleagues and managers to explore and use Web 2.0 and social media technologies to foster more effective collaboration and to improve communication and information sharing.

Ms. LeBlanc is described by her colleagues as an inspiration and a model of public service values. With every step, she has displayed dedication and humility, and has worked hard to build a workplace culture that is focused on leadership and collaboration.

These principles are fundamental for building the public service of the future. The Public Service of Canada would like to thank Jodi LeBlanc for her tireless commitment to leading the way.

Nominated by Steven Harris, Director, Contract Development,
Veterans Affairs Canada, and Kattie Johnson, Manager,
Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program,
Public Works and Government Services Canada.

Official Languages

Ginette Jaques
Canadian Forces Base Kingston
National Defence and Canadian Forces

The Public Service of Canada commends Ginette Jaques for promoting the use of Canada's official languages in the Canadian Forces.

In 2001, Ms. Jaques established Canadian Forces Base Kingston's language school. Since then, she has worked tirelessly and has exceeded the requirements of her position as Coordinator of Official Languages to ensure that Canada's linguistic duality remains at the forefront for Commanders amid the hectic operational pace of the base.

Ms. Jaques has demonstrated an innate talent and a high level of dedication in operating the language school, seamlessly managing the largest number of registered students and courses offered across the army. She has ensured high-quality training, with minimal assistance. Ms. Jaques also organized a highly successful 12-month English course, which enabled francophone participants to find gainful employment in the Kingston area.

Ms. Jaques provides official languages awareness briefings to all new supervisors at National Defence. Under her guidance, a French conversation class was developed and tailored to personnel in leadership roles who do not have the opportunity to speak French daily. She promotes linguistic duality every day and encourages her chain of command to do the same.

Through her determination and passion for promoting official languages, Ms. Jaques has made an exceptional contribution to the community and to the changing culture of the Canadian Forces.

Nominated by Colonel S.M. Cadden, Base Commander,
Canadian Forces Base Kingston
National Defence and Canadian Forces.

Word of the Day
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

• Grace Kelly
• Fatima Mawani
• Jacques Pilote
• Kay Saicheua

The Public Service of Canada celebrates the Word of the Day Team for its enthusiasm and innovation in promoting the values of Canada's official languages in the workplace.

The team has demonstrated leadership and creativity in developing and implementing a simple, interactive and fun initiative to promote bilingualism in their organization. It began when an employee at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) started sending an email to her team every day featuring a specific word and its translation. Employees would practise using the word throughout the day, whether during formal meetings or in informal hallway conversations.

Recognizing the merit and the effectiveness of this tool in promoting the use of both official languages, senior management quickly endorsed it, and a pilot project involving the whole organization was launched. With word suggestions coming from all levels of employees, including the Chairman, the team built an inventory of French and English words and expressions relevant to the work that is performed at the CRTC. Employee participation skyrocketed, with 97 per cent of employees opting to receive the daily email.

Since it was officially launched in March 2010, the pilot project has been an overwhelming success, quickly spreading from colleague to colleague as well as to other departments and agencies.

The Word of the Day Team has made an excellent contribution to promoting official languages in the Public Service of Canada.

Nominated by Helen McIntosh, Director General, Human Resources,
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.

Thank You

A special thank you to the following organizations that participated in this program by submitting nominations:

• Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
• Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
• Canada Border Services Agency
• Canada Revenue Agency
• Canada School of Public Service
• Canadian Coast Guard
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• Canadian Heritage
• Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
• Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
• Canadian Security Intelligence Service
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• Communications Security Establishment Canada
• Correctional Service Canada
• Defence Research and Development Canada
• Department of Justice Canada
• Elections Canada
• Environment Canada
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
• Health Canada
• Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
• Industry Canada
• Library and Archives Canada
• National Defence and Canadian Forces
• National Research Council Canada
• Natural Resources Canada
• Parks Canada
• Passport Canada
• Privy Council Office
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Public Safety Canada
• Public Works and Government Services Canada
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police
• Service Canada
• Shared Services Canada
• Statistics Canada
• Transport Canada
• Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
• Veterans Affairs Canada
• Western Economic Diversification Canada